National Volunteer Month: Why it Matters and How to Get Involved
Every April, communities across the United States unite to recognize National Volunteer Month, a celebration of volunteerism's essential role in our society.
This month-long event acknowledges volunteers' commitment and selfless contributions from coast to coast.
National Volunteer Month's primary objective is to enlighten the public about the vast array of volunteering opportunities that cater to diverse skills and interests. The campaign demonstrates how volunteers can leave a mark on social, environmental, and economic issues through a series of volunteer events and initiatives.
For instance, participating in local food drives, mentoring underprivileged youth, or joining environmental cleanup efforts can all contribute to addressing these pressing concerns.
Furthermore, National Volunteer Month accentuates the priceless contributions made by volunteers in realizing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. By drawing attention to these goals, the campaign nurtures a sense of empathy, compassion, and global citizenship that transcends borders and unites people for a common purpose.
Featured in: April Awareness Months, Days & Observances.
History and Background of National Volunteer Month
In Canada, National Volunteer Month originated in 1943 as a means of recognizing the invaluable contributions made by women in supporting wounded soldiers and gathering essential supplies during World War II.
In the US, National Volunteer Month can trace its origins to April 1991, when President George H.W. Bush established this commemorative event.
Designed to acknowledge the incredible efforts of volunteers across the United States, the month-long celebration inspires more citizens to engage in volunteer activities actively. Notably, National Volunteer Week, an essential aspect of National Volunteer Month, was initially instituted in 1974 by President Richard Nixon to encourage volunteerism at the local level.
Over the years, Volunteer Month has experienced substantial growth and development, thanks partly to the promotional efforts and organization of Points of Light.
The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS, AmeriCorps), a federal agency, also provides valuable resources and tools to boost volunteer engagement throughout the month. President Barack Obama signed the Serve America Act in 2013 to broaden the scope of National Volunteer Month, creating even more opportunities for Americans to serve their communities.
Since its inception, National Volunteer Month has seen numerous milestones and achievements. Annual recognition events, such as the President's Volunteer Service Award and the Daily Point of Light Award, celebrate extraordinary volunteers and their contributions to society.
Moreover, the success of National Volunteer Month has inspired similar initiatives, like Global Volunteer Month, which seek to promote volunteerism on an international scale.
The Cause and Its Challenges
National Volunteer Month aims to tackle the urgent demand for increased volunteerism in various sectors, spanning environmental conservation, healthcare, education, and social services.
Volunteers often encounter numerous hurdles that impede their potential impact in making a difference1. A lack of resources, such as funding and materials, poses a significant challenge to those seeking to volunteer.
On top of this, limited public awareness regarding volunteers' crucial role in fostering community development and social cohesion may lead to fewer people offering their time and skills. Moreover, volunteers can face physical and emotional challenges, including fatigue, burnout, and stress, owing to the demanding nature of their work and the emotional toll of assisting vulnerable populations.
Despite these obstacles, the immense scale of volunteerism is undeniable. According to the United Nations, approximately 1 billion volunteers worldwide contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. These volunteers work to confront global issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.
National Volunteer Month seeks to amplify awareness and tackle the challenges faced by volunteers and organizations alike, ultimately bolstering the impact of volunteerism in addressing the world's most pressing issues.
5 Important Facts About Volunteering
- Volunteers are the lifeblood of nonprofit organizations, with a staggering 63 million Americans generously donating their time each year. They collectively provide around 8 billion hours of service, a testament to their indispensable societal role.
- Interestingly, volunteering is more than just beneficial for the organization receiving help3. Volunteers often report improved mental health, increased social connections, and the opportunity to develop new skills.
- April's National Volunteer Month offers a concentrated time for organizations and individuals to recognize, celebrate, and appreciate the efforts of volunteers.
- It's important to recognize the significant economic impact of volunteering as well. In 2020, the estimated value of volunteer time in the US reached an astounding $203.4 billion.
- There's an opportunity for everyone to make a difference, regardless of their location or interests, when they choose to volunteer. From lending a hand at local community events or joining initiatives close to their heart, individuals can find meaningful ways to contribute their time and skills to causes that resonate with them personally.
Read more in our compilation of volunteering facts.
Volunteering-Based Efforts and Initiatives
In our increasingly interconnected world, countless efforts and initiatives have emerged, thanks to international organizations, governments, and nonprofits dedicated to engaging volunteers in tackling various challenges.
Take, for instance, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program. This global initiative mobilizes thousands of volunteers, zeroing in on capacity building and sustainable development to support peace and development efforts. With such a massive collaborative impact, it's no wonder the program's success is making headlines.
It's World Cleanup Day, the brainchild of Let's Do It! World organization brings together millions of volunteers to clean up litter and waste from public spaces. Participants take direct action and raise awareness about environmental conservation.
Along the same lines, Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup Day empowers volunteers worldwide to clean beaches and waterways, demonstrating the tremendous power of collective action in combating marine pollution.
Shifting gears to housing and community development, Habitat for Humanity has made significant progress through the tireless efforts of devoted volunteers.
Operating in more than 70 countries, this nonprofit organization focuses on constructing and repairing homes for low-income families. Habitat for Humanity champions affordable housing and nurtures community growth by doing so.
While these examples represent just a fraction of the many volunteer initiatives out there, they emphasize the incredible array of opportunities for individuals to contribute to their communities and address pressing issues.
How to Get Involved and Support the Cause
You’ll find many opportunities to get involved and celebrate Global Volunteer Month anywhere globally. One practical way to get involved is to connect with local environmental organizations and events.
Seek volunteer opportunities near you, such as tree planting, beach cleanups, or wildlife habitat restoration, which allow you to make a tangible difference while cultivating camaraderie within your community2. Similarly, you can look to volunteer at a local homeless shelter or food bank or simply offer to collect supplies for those less able to get to the supermarket.
A simple search for a volunteer opportunity near you can help you discover upcoming events and organizations to support. You can also turn to local libraries, community centers, or online platforms to celebrate volunteer month with other like-minded people.
Further, in a growing number of workplaces, you might find opportunities to engage in volunteering. Whereas not applicable to everyone, check what opportunities are available in your workplace and consider joining the growing ranks of corporate volunteers.
Learn and share the benefits of volunteering.
Social media platforms offer a fantastic avenue for raising awareness about environmental causes. Share your volunteering experiences, social work quotes, inspiring social media graphics, and valuable information related to your eco-friendly efforts. You might even create and distribute educational materials like flyers or brochures to inspire others to participate in in-person events, volunteer opportunities, and civic life in your local community.
Furthermore, attending workshops, webinars, or conferences on environmental issues can deepen your understanding and introduce you to like-minded individuals, expanding your network. You’ll also find a range of toolkits suitable for individuals, organizations, government officials, and community groups with a quick online search.
Fundraising initiatives actively support environmental causes and projects. Consider setting up a campaign for a local environmental organization or a specific project, such as a community garden or solar panel installation.
Community events like neighborhood clean-ups or recycling drives double as fundraising and awareness-building opportunities, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in preserving our environment. Plus, they’re a great way to unite people and share the benefits of active civic engagement.
Not only are these a great opportunity to get involved, but this month also provides an excellent opportunity to create your own. Pick a cause, determine how many volunteers you need, and promote it across your network.
Furthermore, you can celebrate National Volunteer Month volunteers with a simple thank you for their impact on the community. Many do so quietly; a simple thank you can go a long way.
Conclusion
National Volunteer Month holds significant importance, celebrating the invaluable contributions and countless hours of community contributions. The whole month is an opportunity to recognize volunteers and their role in uplifting communities and enhancing lives.
With many ways to engage in a full civic life, from special events to ad-hoc contributions, let's come together during National Volunteer Month and make a meaningful impact.
Why not seek out local volunteer opportunities to offer your services? Share inspiring stories of dedicated volunteers to ignite others or contribute to organizations that promote volunteer work.
National Volunteer Month FAQs
National Volunteer Month is a month-long celebration of the contributions of volunteers in different communities across the country.
National Volunteer Month is celebrated every April.
National Volunteer Month is significant because it highlights the importance of volunteerism and encourages more people to participate in volunteering activities.
You can get involved in National Volunteer Month by finding volunteer opportunities in your local community, organizing a volunteer event, or donating to a non-profit organization.
Yes, volunteering can benefit you personally by enhancing your skills, improving your mental and physical health, and creating a sense of fulfillment and purpose in your life.
| 1 | Hustinx, L., Cnaan, R. A., & Handy, F. (2010). Navigating theories of volunteering: A hybrid map for a complex phenomenon. Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour, 40(4), 410-434. |
| 2 | Bruyere, B., & Rappe, S. (2007). Identifying the motivations of environmental volunteers. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 50(4), 503-516. |
| 3 | Wilson, J., & Musick, M. (1999). The effects of volunteering on the volunteer. Law and Contemporary Problems, 62(4), 141-168. |
